Minhaj Jamshidi, 19, was shot and killed while playing sand volleyball near the Arizona-Sonora Residence Hall at the University of Arizona on the night of Sunday, September 22, 2024. Jamshidi, an Afghan immigrant and Pima Community College student who often played at those courts, was struck during an argument that escalated into several small fights. Friends and family carried him to a nearby car intending to go to the hospital but waited for first responders instead. University of Arizona Police officers arrived within minutes and administered life-saving measures for nearly ten minutes, but Jamshidi did not survive.

Investigators focused on a man who frequented the volleyball courts but was not known to Jamshidi’s circle. Witness descriptions led police to identify 20-year-old Ryan Romero-Encinas as a suspect. After a three-day search, Romero-Encinas returned to his Wetmore Road apartment on September 25; roommates called 911 and he surrendered without incident. He was arrested and booked into the Pima County Jail and has been charged with first-degree murder in Jamshidi’s death.

Anyone who knew Minhaj, attended the volleyball courts that night, or has information about the events leading up to the shooting is asked to come forward.